Helen Baker passed away at the Stanford Seniors Village in Parksville, BC on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the age of 93 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Kareen Elizabeth Holyer (Gordon), and step-daughters: Ellen Benty (Arnold), and Marlene Baker. Helen will also be dearly missed by her four grandchildren: Michael Petersen (Kristin Eveleigh), Andrew Petersen (Jessica Mcpherson), Anika Gallacher (Rory) and Daniel Petersen; six great grandchildren: Piper, Davin, Ansen, Ellah, Oriah and Odin; nephew John Funk and his wife, Audrey, and family; numerous family members in Germany and Canada, as well as many loving friends on Vancouver Island. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Baker, of Duncan (1993); her parents and siblings.
Helen was born on September 8, 1925 in Novo-Podolsk, Ukraine, the youngest of eleven children to Jakob and Katherina (nee Toews) Funk. In 1942 she was conscripted to work in Germany. In 1948 she and her brother, Jakob Funk, immigrated to Canada. Helen, with her daughter, moved to Duncan from Winnipeg in 1951. She attended Brae Road Chapel for over 20 years where she taught Sunday School, sang and played her guitar. Helen worked at many different jobs: caregiver, waitress, janitor, and cook's helper. In January, 1976, she married her "Prince Albert." Besides married life, her passions included singing, playing her guitar, cooking and gardening. Many Sunday afternoons Helen and Albert entertained at various Duncan senior residences. They attended New Life Church for many years, where they were active in the Church community and made many friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Sands Funeral Chapel, 187 Trunk Road, Duncan BC. For those wishing to pay their respects, a Visitation will be held prior to the Funeral Service from 10:30 - 11 am. Helen will be laid to rest beside her "Prince Albert" at Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be offered on line at www.sandsduncan.ca.